Stay agile: 5 tips for easier aging in place (BPT) - While many of us may dream of retiring and moving away to a beach-side resort or cabin by the lake, the reality is that most Americans look forward to remaining in their own homes so they can continue to enjoy familiar comforts, activities and loved ones. In fact, an AARP survey recently fo... More >>

Home improvement: One repair at a time(BPT) - Tis the season &hellip; for home improvement. Longer days, warmer weather and more flexible schedules (hello, summer break!) have a way of inspiring home improvement projects. It's as if appliances in and around the house emerge from the shadows of winter, calling out for attention. Sud... More >>

Feed your dog from a DIY concrete bowl(BPT) - With dogs living in more than 60 million U.S. households, pooches are by far the most popular pet in America according to the America Pet Products Association's 2017-2018 National Owners Survey. The same research also indicates that dog food accounts for a large proportion of the expenses t... More >>

Make the most of your landscaping projects this year with these tips(BPT) - Home improvement projects aren't constrained to a single season, but during these warmer months, your focus is no longer simply on your home's indoors. Now there's outdoor yard work to do as well, and if you're looking to recreate your outdoor space, your outside projects may include some l... More >>

The benefits of child's play extend beyond exercise(BPT) - When you think about the most important part of a child's school day, what comes to mind? Is it reading? Science? Math or history? What about recess?Children will likely mention recess as their favorite part of the day, and new research shows that this free time is actually a fundamental co... More >>

3 warm-weather home cleaning tips(BPT) - Warmer weather and more daylight hours bring renewed energy to truly enjoy your home with family and friends. Spring is a great time to get rid of the lingering grime and grit of winter to keep your clean home happening all season long. With a thorough home clean, you can create a vibrant l... More >>

5 tips for financing your next home improvement project(BPT) - Whether it's transforming a fixer-upper into your dream home or just giving a makeover to your kitchen or bathroom, home improvement projects are on the minds of many new homeowners across the country.While many things about renovating your home are flexible, your budget might not be. In ge... More >>

Wildfire protection starts in these 5 places(BPT) - It's National Wildfire Awareness Week. So, if you live in a wildfire-prone area, make sure you're taking the right steps to stave off potential damage long before flames rage toward your doorstep.And one of the best ways to do that is to take a look at the home itself."It's a combination of... More >>

Simple summer home maintenance tips for comfort and energy savings(BPT) - Things will soon be heating up all over the country. In fact, the average U.S. household will spend 3 percent more on electricity bills this summer than in 2017, due to rising retail electricity prices and higher usage, according to the U.S. Energy Administration's estimation.Jennifer Franz... More >>

Floor cleaning 101(BPT) - Flooring trends change through the years as homeowners acquire new tastes and technology allows for a larger variety of flooring designs. Deep ebony and driftwood finishes peaked in 2017, while 2018 trends are pushing toward wider planks, gray tones and even durable porcelain tiles designed... More >>

Changing addresses? 10 tips for busy baby boomers(BPT) - For many Americans, moving households represents a fresh start and a chance to improve quality of life. Last year, some 39.4 million Americans changed residences, thanks in part to better affordability in the housing market.That doesn't mean, however, that everyone's moving process was fric... More >>

3 ways to set the stage for the perfect summer soiree(BPT) - The backyard barbecue is a staple of the American summer. Long days filled with sun, fun, family and friends are what make lifelong memories. Now is the perfect time to start planning for your next barbecue, so you, too, can create memories you won't soon forget.However, before you fire up ... More >>

5 questions to ask when shopping for a mortgage(BPT) - Buying a home is a major financial commitment. It's exciting, but can also be confusing and overwhelming. Choosing the best mortgage that fits your needs is an important first step and first-time homebuyers in particular should research the many options and know the right questions to ask. ... More >>

How your lawn equipment is harming the environment (BPT) - Spring is upon us and our yards are beginning to bloom. The grass needs to be cut, the hedges trimmed and the debris blown away. This is an exciting time of year as we all look forward to getting outdoors after a longer than desired winter season.As we begin our list of warm-weather chores,... More >>

Rooftop decks for every style(BPT) - Fresh air, great views and capitalizing on unused space - it's no wonder rooftop decks are a hot trend for suburban homes and urban apartment complexes alike.Once reserved for the urban elite, rooftop decks are popping up all over the country as an attractive option that offers a mixture of... More >>

A home expert shares top tips for a worry-free vacation(BPT) - When it's time to embark on your well-deserved getaway, the last thing you want is to worry about the things that could go wrong at your unattended house.It's pretty common to wonder if everything is OK while you're on vacation, says Chip Wade, an HGTV expert. Especially since there are ple... More >>

Why would manufactured homes require a title?(BPT) - On June 15, 1976, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) instituted the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards - more commonly referred to as the 'HUD Code.'With these regulations, HUD defined the safety and quality standards required for constructio... More >>

6 ways to revive your home with essential oils(BPT) - Essential oils, highly concentrated essences of plants, have the power to improve our lives, revive our spaces and boost our mood, whether it's through diffusing them to add a fresh scent to the kitchen, creating a spa-like oasis in your bathroom or whipping up DIY cleaning products to use ... More >>

The most common causes of homeowners insurance claims(BPT) - The value of homeowners insurance is often thrust into the national spotlight when natural disasters happen. The devastation and financial loss they can cause reinforces the importance of making sure you have adequate insurance coverage to rebuild if disaster strikes your home. In 2017 alon... More >>

4 ways to simplify your DIY projects and home improvements(BPT) - Whether you're working on a spring home improvement project or a summer task, this is the time of year when you focus on improving your home both inside and out. As you look for ways to make your home even better, nothing beats a good DIY project.DIY home improvement projects are popular ea... More >>

Advice for adult children of aging parents who need help at home(BPT) - Helping a parent stay active and healthy at home can be achieved with careful planning. The rewards of personally caring for, or managing the care of, a loved one who needs help are innumerable. It's an opportunity to give back and to offer a return on the loving investment they once made i... More >>

5 tips to create a personalized shed(BPT) - The backyard. It's your oasis. Your happy place. Your second living room. It's the place to go not only for 'me' time - but quality time with friends and family.This National Barbecue Month, the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association wants to help you make your backyard the best backyard ... More >>

Home improvements to help your home sell faster and for more money(BPT) - The real estate market is heating up, and if you're planning to sell your home in the future, you want it to sell quickly and for as high of a price as possible. By taking proactive action now, you can make a few strategic home improvements that can help you achieve both your goals.To boost... More >>

Hard water proves hard on your wallet(BPT) - Hard water, which contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, can be found in nearly 90 percent of American homes. These minerals cause scaling, a buildup that clogs waterlines and plumbing forcing appliances to work harder and operate less efficiently. The scale may also harbor bacteria... More >>

Insider tips and tactics for buying a home in a seller's market(BPT) - Whether you're a millennial looking to buy your first home or a boomer thinking about downsizing your empty nest, you're probably aware that it's a seller's market out there.Homes are selling at lightning speed, bidding wars are commonplace, buyers often have little to no room for negotiati... More >>

5 deep-cleaning jobs that are oddly satisfying(BPT) - Whether it's scrubbing through grime to reveal a sparkling surface, cleaning dust bunnies from under appliances or organizing your pantry, there's something oddly satisfying about a deep clean.According to a recent survey conducted on behalf of Clorox, lots of people get the good vibes flow... More >>

Buy a home in 2018 with these 3 steps(BPT) - So you want to buy a home? Congratulations! Homeownership can be a wonderful accomplishment and milestone in your life. But be forewarned that it might not be easy. The process is complicated and often comes with a few hurdles.However, if you follow the three steps below, you can make your ... More >>

How to handle rising interest rates in 2018(BPT) - The nation's central bank - the Federal Reserve - just raised interest rates by a quarter point. The Fed is expected to raise rates at least two more times this year by the same amount. That's going to affect a lot of your finances, including your credit card bill, car payment and home equi... More >>

How many miles per gallon does your home get?(BPT) - Everyone wants the inside scoop on how to get the best deal. Ironically, consumers will do a bunch of research over a $500 smart phone and relatively little for the largest purchase of their lives, their homes.Most home buyers focus on price and payments, however, factoring in a home's ener... More >>

Spring lawn care is easier than ever(BPT) - The snow has melted, flowers are beginning to bloom, and you wake to the sound of birds chirping: all signs that spring is here. Spring means time to give your lawn the TLC it needs, but most of us dread the thought of weekends spent occupied by yard work. Luckily, in 2018, getting that per... More >>

Credit tips for buying an investment property(BPT) - If you love the idea of being a landlord, and don't mind being on duty around the clock, buying an investment property may be the wealth-building option for you.Property values have enjoyed a steady increase over the decades. That's why real estate has earned its reputation as a sound inves... More >>

Protect your home from termites this spring(BPT) - Spring is officially here, bringing flowers, greenery and increased pest activity. Because termite evidence is more noticeable in warmer months, it is important to check for any warning signs every spring. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to reduce the likelihood of a termite ... More >>

4 simple swaps when planning a kitchen refresh (BPT) - Spring is in full swing, which means it's time to reinvigorate your kitchen with a new look! When planning your refresh, consider these simple, stylish swaps that don't require investing tons of time or budget.Upgrade your kitchen fixturesFaucets often serve as the centerpiece of the kitche... More >>

4 home remedies that will put more money in your pocket(BPT) - What do you like to do for fun when you have some free time on your hands? Whether it's seeing the latest blockbuster, sampling a delicious entree or taking a road trip, chances are your passions cost money. If you're like many Americans, you may find you don't have quite as many loose doll... More >>

8 simple things you can do at home to improve indoor air quality(BPT) - A clean house always looks and feels good. But did you know a clean environment goes a long way toward keeping you and your family healthy?For starters, dust holds dander and pollen, which explains why dust so easily triggers an allergy attack. But common household dust contains other bad s... More >>

10 reasons to plant a tree this spring(BPT) - Did you know planting a tree is one of the easiest and most powerful things you can do to have a positive impact on the environment? It's true. Trees clean the air, prevent rainwater runoff, help you save energy and even combat global warming. And they're a snap to plant! No horticultural d... More >>

Silent destroyers: Tips to spot termites and prevent infestation(BPT) - There are many reasons that termites have gained the nickname "silent destroyers." Five billion reasons, in fact.Termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage in the U.S. each year. If left unchecked, they can silently chew through the structural stability of a home, eating away at... More >>

High-tech bathroom trends for 2018(BPT) - Technology is trending in home design and decor this year, and some of the most dramatic, futuristic and fun tech trends are showing up in the bathroom. From glass doors and windows changing from clear to opaque with the touch of a button to toilets transforming the whole experience of goin... More >>

5 musts for a low-stress, on-budget DIY home project(BPT) - Owning your own home is a life accomplishment for many adults, and keeping it looking sharp and adding your personal touches brings a sense of pride. It seems there are always things you want to improve, so don't let a limited budget or lack of know-how hold you back from dreaming. There ar... More >>

The unexpected entrepreneurs of Wausau, Wisconsin(BPT) - In September 2018, thousands of people from around the world will congregate in an unlikely place: Wausau, Wisconsin.The diverse crowd will gather for the second International Wisconsin Ginseng Festival. While many may be surprised that such an event would be held in the middle of Wisconsin... More >>

Don't re-roof until you do these 5 things(BPT) - With spring officially arriving, home improvement season is swinging into full gear. Fair warning to homeowners looking to hire a professional, 2018 is predicted to be a record-breaker.A recent study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University projects home improvement spe... More >>

Dominate spring: 5 easy steps to wake up your lawn(BPT) - There are a lot of things people miss during the winter - flip-flops, shorts and warm sunshine. But one of the things homeowners miss the most is the sight of green grass.For months their lawns go into hibernation and disappear under a blanket of snow. Once the temperature starts to rise an... More >>

4 ways hardscapes can add value to your home(BPT) - Outdoor hardscape projects add resale value to a home as well as bring extra enjoyment to homeowners while they are living in the home, according to the 'Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features' by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the National Association of Landscape Profe... More >>

6 project ideas to recreate your kitchen(BPT) - As the hub of activity in a home, the kitchen serves many purposes: meal prep base, dining area, family gathering place, celebration zone, and entertainment center, to name a few. Does your high-use, heart-of-the-home kitchen meet the challenges and needs of your family life?If not, then it... More >>

Marrying households: 7 savvy moving tips for newlyweds (BPT) - If you're planning a wedding or you've just tied the knot, congratulations! Getting ready to start the next chapter of your life with the one you love can be an exciting time, filled with anticipation about your future together.That said, combining two households can take considerable plann... More >>

The secret places pests are hiding in your home (BPT) - Pests can be hiding just about everywhere - whether you can see them or not. When you know where to look, there are preventative measures you can take to help avoid a pest infestation problem in your home. Terminix shares details on the unexpected, 'secret' places pests can be hiding.Sinks ... More >>

4 tips to add Scandinavian style to your decor(BPT) - As homeowners look for ways to refresh their spaces, Scandinavian style has become ever more prominent and popular among designers and interior décor experts. The clean, modern, minimalist aesthetic shows up in interiors and exteriors - from streamlined furniture to low-maintenance landscap... More >>

5 'smart' ways to tackle your spring cleaning(BPT) - Pull back the drapes, crack open the window and let in the warm, sun-soaked air. That's right, spring is right around the corner and that means it'll soon be time to chase away the grime and odors that have settled in over the long winter.For many, spring cleaning is something of a traditio... More >>

The best way to clean wood floors might surprise you(BPT) - Although most people envision their dream home with shiny wood floors, many consumers are unaware of the best way to care for them, according to a 2017 survey conducted by the National Wood Flooring Association.'Not surprisingly, many homeowners are unsure of the best way to effectively and... More >>

House hunting? Use this handy checklist before you make the offer(BPT) - House hunting can feel like an adventurous new chapter in your life. If you're lucky enough to find the property that checks off all the "must have" boxes - appearance, size, price, location - it's easy to fall in love.Not so fast. Before making an offer on any property, it's smart to take ... More >>

An underutilized retirement strategy(BPT) - Across the nation, thousands of seniors have used a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), commonly called a reverse mortgage loan, as a savvy way to access the equity in their homes as part of their retirement strategy.Those who are interested in a reverse mortgage loan should know that t... More >>

Add fire safety to your family's routine(BPT) - Think of all the items you replace regularly - your cellphone, lightbulbs and even your toothbrush. But when was the last time you replaced your smoke alarm batteries, or even the alarms themselves? It's easy to overlook, but the time to think about fire safety is now - before an emergency ... More >>

Mix, match and mosaic: The top interior design trends of 2018(BPT) - Whether you're redecorating your home, changing up that old carpet for warm hardwood flooring, or just longing for a fresh coat of paint and some new accents in the living room, the design trends this year are all about texture, style and surprises. It's hardwood floors celebrating knots an... More >>

4 tips for protecting your home this season and beyond(BPT) - Winter is in full swing and extremely cold temperatures continue to grip much of the U.S.; which mean hats, gloves and high home maintenance bills could be in your future. According to recent data from the Insurance Information Institute, in 2016 severe winter weather cost homeowners more t... More >>

5 top trends for your kitchen in 2018(BPT) - It's your home's focal point. The site of some of your best moments and the base of operations for entertaining - it's your kitchen, and no room in your home is more valuable. A magnificent kitchen defines a home, and bringing your kitchen to this level means capitalizing on today's top tre... More >>

Transform the look and feel of your kitchen with an updated sink(BPT) - While everyone would love a complete kitchen makeover, you can still freshen and update the look of this room by taking on smaller projects.The perfect place to start is the kitchen sink. Most people don't realize it, but a well-chosen sink has the potential to create the perfect focal poin... More >>

Fresh beginnings: Clean your bathroom faster with these tech tools(BPT) - If you're like most Americans, you prefer to have an immaculate bathroom - you just don't like cleaning it.In fact, in a recent study by Kohler (conducted by independent research firm Vision Critical), 42 percent of consumers admitted cleaning the toilet is one of their most disliked chores... More >>

Top trends to inspire your outdoor living(BPT) - Outdoor living spaces rank first among special function rooms desired by consumers, according to the American Institute for Architects, and so homeowners are expected to be going all-in for the outdoors in 2018.Trex Company, a maker of premium decking and railing, has gleaned insights from ... More >>

Warm up with 5 DIY projects to tackle this winter(BPT) - For the avid DIYer in you, the winter season may cause a little anxiety while you're cooped up inside and unable to tackle those outdoor projects you'd love to finish. The good news, however, is that the inside of your home needs just as much DIY attention as the outside - sometimes more - ... More >>

Deliver curb appeal with a DIY block mailbox(BPT) - We've all heard the old adage, 'you only get one chance to make a first impression.' Well, that statement holds true when you're talking about a home. Whether it's the landscaping, the siding, the front door, the windows, the paint, the driveway or the outdoor furniture, the initial reactio... More >>

4 tips to prepare for extended power outages(BPT) - In the year 2018, it's very easy to take your home's power for granted. You flick the light switch and the lights come on. Same with the television and the microwave. It's easy. And should a storm knock the power out, you expect that it will be up again in a matter of minutes or hours.Often... More >>

A great lawn begins with a great engine(BPT) - As the days grow longer and the snow begins to recede, homeowners will once again venture outdoors to get their yards and lawn into tip-top shape for summer fun. But just like your lawn has been hibernating over the long winter, so too has your lawn mower and other small engines. Even if yo... More >>

2018 remodeling trends that boost your home's value(BPT) - A strong housing market is giving homeowners the confidence to invest in remodeling. In fact, homeowner spending on improvements and repairs will approach $340 billion in 2018, an increase of 7.5 percent from estimated 2017 spending, according to the Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity... More >>

Cut expenses without cutting corners on your bathroom remodel(BPT) - When homeowners get the urge to remodel and renovate their homes, two rooms immediately top the list: the kitchen and the bathroom. In the last decade, we've seen something of a renaissance in home bathroom design. From an innovative use of materials to radically reimagined bathtubs and toi... More >>

Do the math: Homebuying now may save a lot(BPT) - It is a common misconception that a 20 percent down payment is required to buy a home. Advice to wait and save a large down payment is often based on the theory that the cost of mortgage insurance (MI), which is required when you buy with a smaller down payment, should be avoided. This may ... More >>

The beauty of barn doors(BPT) - Barn doors moved out of the farmyard and into the house a long time ago. Recently, however, they have become an even more popular and useful feature in residential design. It's not hard to see why.'Many homeowners hear the term 'barn door' and think of reclaimed, rustic wood, which may not ... More >>

Spring without the wings: 5 tips to avoid a seasonal pest problem(BPT) - Daydreaming of spring is something everyone does during the coldest days of winter - even pests. The promise of warmer weather on the horizon is also a boon for the numerous species of pests that inhabit your area, and when the temperature perks up, many of those pests come out of hiding an... More >>